A REAL ESTATE agent accused of stealing competitors' "for sale" signs and intimidating other agents has pleaded not guilty to eight charges laid by police earlier this month.
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The matters against Michael John Whittaker, 48, of James Barnett Drive, Kelso were mentioned briefly in Bathurst Local Court on Monday.
Whittaker is the principal of Bathurst Real Estate and is being represented by solicitor Shane Cunningham.
Police allege Whittaker intimidated Jay Cleary on March 18, 2019 and then later Jay Cleary and Sandy Fairbrother.
Police further allege that on December 6, 2019, December 19, 2019 and December 25, 2019, Whittaker stole three "for sale" signs, with sold stickers on them, worth between $65 and $85 each, and a fourth "for sale" sign worth $65.
All the signs were the property of Cleary Fairbrother Property.
Police allege during December Whittaker stole three for sale signs, with sold stickers, worth between $65 and $85, and a fourth sign worth $65.
- Police charge sheet
Whittaker was charged by police earlier this month after complaints were received.
Chifley Police District duty officer, Inspector David Abercrombie, said at the time that police had been contacted by the complainants on December 30 last year, which is when investigations into the allegations began.
Inspector Abercrombie said police alleged the for sale signs were stolen by the man, who also engaged in behaviour which was intimidatory in nature.
Among the allegations was a confrontation between the accused and one of the complainants.
Magistrate Catherine Follent made brief orders for February 17, 2020 with the matter to come back before the local court on March 3.
Whittaker is excused from attending court on the next occasion if he is legally represented. His bail continues.
